ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, March 24, 1997                 TAG: 9703250004
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN

RIGHT PINCH FOR A TROUT'S CHEEK

The first thing you notice about Gotta Bite Trout bait is that it comes in what the manufacturer calls ``a unique low-profile pack that fits right in your pocket.''

That means it is packed in a container with the looks of a snuff can. Certain users will have to take care they don't put the wrong thing between their cheek and gum.

The next thing you notice is the promise stamped on the face of the can: ``Guaranteed to catch more fish or your money back.'' There's even a toll-free number to call.

Gotta Bite, made by Riverside Lures, is a new product for trout anglers. It comes in morsels ready to go onto your hook or in paste form, like Berkley's Power Bait.

It has a long way to go to grab the market from Berkley Power Bait, which has become the most popular bait on Virginia's put-and-take trout streams. Power Bait outsells salmon eggs five to one, said David Webb of the Fishing Hole tackle shop in Roanoke.

As for the new Gotta Bite, ``I have gotten a little bit of feedback so far,'' said Derrick Hines of the All Fishin'-N-Huntin' store in Salem. ``A couple of guys who have used it say they tore the trout up pretty good on it.''

LENGTH: Short :   35 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Riverside Lures hopes to get trout hooked on bait in a 
          tobacco-type can. color.